Adelaide, with two large dark circles under her eyes and looking utterly listless, drifted along like a ghost behind Cho Chang to the breakfast table.
She had barely slept a wink last night, tossing and turning in bed like a pancake on a griddle.
It wasn't until the first light of dawn began to break and the sky gradually brightened that she finally succumbed to exhaustion, slipping into a fitful slumber—only to be woken up by Cho Chang for class less than three hours later.
Cho Chang handed the Ravenclaw first-year timetable to Adelaide, her face showing concern as she asked softly, "Adelaide, didn't you rest well last night? You need to perk up!"
"We have Charms and Transfiguration this morning, two core subjects. On the first day, you not only need to build a solid foundation but also make a good impression on the Professors. Whatever you do, don't fall asleep!"
Adelaide's heart sank. Why did Cho Chang's words sound so much like Hermione's? Could she be another academic overachiever?
If so, her Hogwarts life was truly off to a disastrous start.
She lifted her head slightly, forcing a weak smile. "Don't worry, I'm just not used to the bed yet... I'll pay attention in class."
With that, she eagerly picked up a fragrant pumpkin pasty and began devouring it in large, ravenous bites.
In no time at all, the entire pasty had been swept away by Adelaide's whirlwind appetite.
After breakfast, she rummaged in her suitcase for a moment and pulled out a neatly folded Hogwarts map.
She spread the map flat and, together with Cho Chang, carefully examined it to find the best route to the Charms classroom.
This map had been entrusted to Adelaide by Edward through Amandine. It documented all of Hogwarts' hidden passages and the changing patterns of the staircases, ensuring Adelaide and Cho Chang wouldn't get lost and be late.
The only pity was that it wasn't like the legendary marauders map, capable of precisely pinpointing everyone's location within the Castle.
Hmm?!
A brilliant idea flashed in Adelaide's mind, and a perfect plan instantly took shape.
During the lunch break, seizing the perfect moment, she skillfully intercepted the Weasley Twins as they hurried past the entrance to the Great Hall.
"Hey! Fred, George, hold on a moment. I've got something really interesting to share with you," Adelaide said with a mysterious smile.
"Oh? What is it?"
Fred stopped curiously.
Adelaide led them to a quiet corner and lowered her voice:
"Have you ever heard of a magical map that can record every single hidden passage in Hogwarts Castle in detail, and even show the exact location of every person in the school?"
"What? A map that marks everyone's location? Even the Professors on night patrol?"
George's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Exactly! And the map supposedly clearly marks the entrances and exits of all the secret passages in Hogwarts!"
Adelaide continued, vividly painting the picture.
Hearing this, the naturally curious twin brothers were instantly ignited with excitement.
"So where is this map? Tell us!" Fred pressed eagerly.
Seeing the fish take the bait, Adelaide's lips curled slightly. She raised an eyebrow, deliberately playing coy:
"Heh, don't be so hasty. I can tell you where the map is, but first, we need to make a little deal."
"What deal?"
The Weasley Twins asked in unison.
"Simple. If you find this map, ownership goes to you. Just lend it to me for a few days occasionally. How about it? A fair deal, right?"
Adelaide looked at the two before her with confidence. She would swear to Merlin they wouldn't refuse her.
The Weasley Twins quickly exchanged a glance. After a moment's thought, they both nodded, clearly satisfied with the proposal.
Adelaide continued her story: "Just last night at the feast, I overheard some senior students saying there's a blank piece of parchment in a drawer in Filch's office. If you point your wand at it and say 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good,' it transforms into the marauders map."
"What? In that old dog Filch's office?!"
George couldn't help but exclaim.
Fred also frowned and muttered, "That's going to be tricky..."
You see, at this time, the twins had only just entered their second year. With a strict older brother like Charlie keeping a tight rein on them at school, compared to their later, more brazen and lawless selves, the Weasley Twins still harbored an instinctive aversion to Filch.
"Oh, I'd understand if you're too scared to go... I mean, it is the caretaker Filch's office after all. He's given you plenty of detentions, hasn't he?"
Adelaide circled the two brothers and continued, "Tsk tsk, even the most mischievous troublemakers like you have to scurry away like mice when you see him and Madam Norris. How could you possibly dare to sneak into his office?"
"But it's fine. If you really can't get that magical map, I do have an ordinary one here. It's not as amazing, but it still marks the locations of all Hogwarts' secret passages. If you want it, just give me two Galleons, and I'll lend it to you so you can make two copies. How's that for a deal?"
Fred rolled his eyes disdainfully. "If it's just the locations of secret passages, we already know all of those."
"Really? I don't believe you."
Adelaide first looked the Weasley brothers up and down with deep suspicion, then challenged them: "You haven't even thoroughly searched that old codger Filch's office, and you have the nerve to claim you've explored all of Hogwarts? If you ask me, you'd better borrow this map and take a good look. There might be a few passages you've missed!"
Adelaide's seemingly well-intentioned words thoroughly provoked the Weasley Twins. Feeling their dignity as the school's top pranksters was severely insulted, they both puffed out their chests and vowed confidently that they would get their hands on the marauders map within a week!
Perfect. Mission accomplished.
Adelaide breathed a sigh of relief. Obtaining the marauders map through these means meant the Weasley brothers definitely wouldn't dare breathe a word of it—especially to Charlie. They would keep it tightly under wraps.
Once the marauders map was in her hands, she could spend a little money to get a student list from the Weasley brothers. Then, by cross-referencing with the map, she could identify the Death Eater spies hiding among the students, those using Polyjuice Potion.
If Charlie was unaware, she might even be able to uncover the spies Gellert Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore had placed around her.
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